Residents prepared to protest over casino plan
SOUTHPORT residents are ready to rally in protest if councillors backflip and support a proposed casino in the CBD suburb.
Southport MP Rob Molhoek is warning State Government that placing a second Gold Coast casino resort in Southport risks “stranding” entertainment and tourism hub Surfers Paradise.
Mr Molhoek wants Southport to develop as a health and education sector with a legal precinct.
He said it could become a “bedroom” suburb for inner city living but not an adult entertainment centre.
Former city councillor and Southport resident Eddy Sarroff wrote to Mr Molhoek yesterday on behalf of a community protest group calling for a halt to any push for public land at Carey Park to be used for a casino-resort. The site is expected to be a favourite when State Government later this year calls for expressions of interest for a global tourism hub with an associated casino licence.
Other sites believed to be earmarked are land south of the Sea World car park, the Star of the Sea north of Nerang St and the Vomitron site.
Mr Sarroff urged Mr Molhoek to “voice our concerns in the Queensland parliament.”
“Your opposition to the integrated resort in Carey Park and on adjacent public land including the (Southport) Bowls Club which was initially proposed by Mayor Tate has been appreciated,” said Mr Sarroff.
“I encourage you to point out to the State Government that the community has already voiced their concerns through the large public rally that was held at that time,” Mr Sarroff wrote.
He revealed residents had urged him to stage a protest at this week’s full council meeting if councillors looked to reverse their policy position.
Cr Tate wrote to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in November to indicate council had withdrawn support for the Carey Park land.
But he supported the Government’s move for expressions of interest on “privately owned land” in the city. Tomorrow’s Bulletin: Surfers Paradise reacts